GLAAD - clergyhttp://www.glaad.org/tags/clergy
enIndiana criminalizes marriage equality and pro-LGBT clergyhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/indiana-criminalizes-marriage-equality-and-pro-lgbt-clergy
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-0-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/indiana.gif?itok=b6nBiBqI" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>It's already against the law for same-sex couples to get married in Indiana, and the legislators in the state have recently updated the existing law, reminding some and informing others that it's <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2013/07/09/2272931/marriage-indiana-criminal/">actually a criminal offense</a> for a same-sex couple to even try to get married.</p>
<p>A 1997 law classified submitting false information on a marriage license as a class D felony. Because the marriage licenses in Indiana require that there be a male applicant and a female applicant, any same-sex couple applying for a marriage license would have to submit false information.</p>
<p>The maximum sentence is now 18-months in prison and up to $10,000 in fines, which is a downgrade from the previous three year maximum sentence. Though technically, the change from class D to class 6 is technically a downgraded sentence, the change in the law brought attention to a part of the law that many people weren't even aware of.</p>
<p>On top of reminding everyone that you can actually be arrested for trying to get married, the Indiana legislature <a href="http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title31/ar11/ch11.html">passed a law</a>&nbsp;stating that anyone who "solemnizes" the marriage of a same-sex couple can face up to 180 days in prison, and a $1,000 fine.<img class="media-image" id="6" style="float: right;;" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/wedding%20toppers.jpg?itok=MFmxd1aJ" alt="" /></p>
<p>Since Indiana law<a href="http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/legal-faqs/marriage/federal/what-does-it-take-to-solemnize-a-marriage.html"> pretty clearly states</a> that solemnization is something that happens <em>before </em>the paperwork for a marriage is turned into the state, this law implies that anyone who conducts a solemn marriage ceremony for a same-sex couple is in danger of being arrested.</p>
<p>This means that any clergy or congregation that chooses to perform ceremonies for same-sex couples <a href="http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/candacechellew-hodge/7191/indiana_makes_criminals_of_pro_gay_clergy/">are at risk for criminal punishment</a>. Clergy have always had the legal right to choose who they want, or do not want to marry – without any hindrance from the government because of the constitutional right to freedom of religion.</p>
<p>For as long as the marriage equality debate has existed, conservative religious opposition has expressed the fear of breached religious freedom. Pro marriage equality legislators have been sure to bend over backwards to include religious protections in marriage legislation to ensure that no one is "forced" to conduct a marriage ceremony for a same-sex couple.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, it looks like the Indiana legislature believes that religious freedom only extends to those who oppose marriage equality.</p>
<p><img class="media-image" id="12" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/414x/public/aclu_0.gif?itok=iCvfUolI" alt="" /></p>
<p>In light of the recent SCOTUS decisions on DOMA and Prop 8, the fight for marriage equality is now a state issue. The ACLU and Lambda Legal have launched suits in states such as <a href="http://www.glaad.org/news/lambda-legal-and-aclu-file-marriage-equality-lawsuit-virginia">Virginia</a>,<a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/aclu-files-marriage-lawsuit-pennsylvania"> Pennsylvania</a>, and <a href="http://www.glaad.org/news/aclu-file-suit-overturn-north-carolinas-gay-marriage-ban">North Carolina</a> in order to begin the process of passing marriage equality in those respective states.</p>
<p>In a time that is so crucial to the lives of LGBT and allied Americans, it is more important than ever to understand what role our government is playing in our everyday lives. When we have to start asking if everyone is entitled to religious freedom, we have to ask ourselves if our government is really working for the good of all people.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">July 10, 2013</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/local-and-regional-news">Local and Regional News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/indiana">Indiana</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/clergy">clergy</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/marriage-equality">Marriage Equality</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 10 Jul 2013 22:23:28 +0000hannahkreider66914 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/indiana-criminalizes-marriage-equality-and-pro-lgbt-clergy#commentsLGBT Faith Leaders Host Town Hall with Dr. Julianne Malveaux http://www.glaad.org/blog/lgbt-faith-leaders-host-town-hall-dr-julianne-malveaux
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-1-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img id="1" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/logoblackgay.jpg?itok=6dFrehTr" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Tonight, LGBT faith leaders and activists will host <strong><a href="http://nowedge2012.com/img/GoVote02.pdf ">Go Vote: A Memo to Black America</a>. </strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/black-lgbt-activists-and-faith-leaders-launch-nowedge-2012">GLAAD has worked with the leading individuals </a>behind the NoWedge2012 campaign including Pastor Joseph Tolton, Bishop Yvette Flunder, Rev. Candy Holmes and Rev. Cedric Harmon to name just a few.</p>
<p>Tonight’s "Go Vote" event is a town hall meeting hosted by <a href="http://www.juliannemalveaux.com/">Dr. Juilianne Malveaux</a>, who is a noted activist, civil rights leaders and the 15<sup>th</sup> president of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, NC. &nbsp;Despite the efforts of some African-American clergy to discourage voter participation, NoWedge is countering that messaging urging for a policy agenda that positively effects the African-American community in areas such as education, incarceration and the LGBT community. In addition,&nbsp;NoWedge2012 has made efforts to share their stories in their communities and faith organizations to empower Black voters and create conversations about issues affecting their communities across the nation.</p>
<p><a href="http://nowedge2012.com/img/GoVote02.pdf">Event Details:</a></p>
<p>Grace Congregational Church of Harlem</p>
<p>310 West 139<sup>th</sup> Street, New York, NY 10030</p>
<p>7:00 pm EDT</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">October 23, 2012</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/family">Family</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/local-and-regional-news">Local and Regional News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/people-color">People of Color</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/voting">voting</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/voter">voter</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/gotv">GOTV</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/nowedge">nowedge</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/clergy">clergy</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/african-american">African American</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/poc">POC</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Tue, 23 Oct 2012 19:34:54 +0000marcusbrock59955 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/lgbt-faith-leaders-host-town-hall-dr-julianne-malveaux#commentsAfrican-American Clergy Continue Call for Support on Maryland Marriagehttp://www.glaad.org/blog/african-american-clergy-continue-call-support-maryland-marriage
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>On Friday, a group of African-American clergy from across the country will assemble at the National Press Club in Washington, DC for a news conference to show support for the marriage equality measure on the ballot in nearby Maryland. A number of well-known ministers will attend, including Rev. Al Sharpton, in what will be the <a href="http://marylandersformarriageequality.org/aaclergyendorsement/">first such gathering</a> of its kind. While <a href="http://bruni.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/02/hopeful-news-from-maryland/%20"><u>polls show</u></a> the state is poised to become the first in the nation to pass a statewide referendum in favor of marriage equality, several of the state’s influential black pastors have condemned supporters of the legislation, attacked President Obama for his stance, and shockingly urged parishioners to stay home on <a href="http://pamshouseblend.firedoglake.com/2012/09/17/rev-irene-monroes-perspective-on-movement-to-keep-some-blacks-home-on-election-day-over-marriage-equality/"><u>Election Day</u></a>.</p>
<p>Rev. Delman Coates of <a href="http://www.mtennon.org/%20"><u>Mt. Ennon Baptist Church</u></a> in Clinton, MD, who is leading the pro-marriage group, said that his goal with the <a href="http://washingtonexaminer.com/maryland-pastors-rally-support-for-same-sex-marriage/article/2508274#.UFhk2aSkFbt%20"><u>press conference</u></a> is to erase "the impression that all African-American pastors are fundamentally opposed to the idea of marriage equality.” The ballot question in Maryland asks voters to affirm or reject the bill passed by the General Assembly in February, which allows but does not require churches and clergy to perform same-sex ceremonies in the state. Rev. Coates joins a chorus of African-American clergy in support of the measure, including Rev. Jesse Jackson, who <a href="http://www.glaad.org/news/rev-jesse-jackson-asks-voters-support-marriage-equality">recently urged</a> voters to “respect people's basic fundamental rights.”<img class="media-image" id="2" style="height: 123px; width: 250px; margin: 5px; float: right; " src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/408269_442183989153068_413244741_n.jpg?itok=2CWZqxsD" alt="" /></p>
<p>In discussing the dichotomy between support of President Obama in the African American community and opposition to marriage equality, Rev. Irene Monroe slammed the tactics being used in Maryland to dissuade citizens from voting, saying such an outcome “would be tragic” and that “history would not look kindly on their actions.” After all, she said, President Obama is “the president of all the people, not some of the people.”</p>
<p>The “African-American Clergy for Marriage Equality” news conference will be held at 11 am on Friday, September 21 at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. For more information, please <a href="http://press.org/events/african-american-clergy-marriage-equality%20"><u>click here</u></a>.</p>
<p>Follow @MD4Equality and #md4me for more updates on the race in Maryland.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">September 18, 2012</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/family">Family</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/people-color">People of Color</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/marriage-equality">Marriage Equality</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/maryland">Maryland</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/black-pastors">black pastors</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/clergy">clergy</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/values">values</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/religion">Religion</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/ross">ross</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Tue, 18 Sep 2012 20:55:03 +0000geoffmontes59466 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/african-american-clergy-continue-call-support-maryland-marriage#commentsMore Clergy Speak Out in Support of LGBT People - Everywhere!http://www.glaad.org/2011/06/16/more-clergy-speak-out-everywhere
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Following the pledges of many United Methodist clergy to perform marriages for all couples in <a href="http://www.startribune.com/local/blogs/123048908.html">Minnesota</a> and <a href="http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/guest_bloggers/4741/methodist_clergy_pledge_to_defy_church_in_blessing_lgbt_unions/?comments=view&amp;cID=18803&amp;pID=18800">Northern Illinois</a>, more clergy from a variety of denominations are speaking out in support of LGBT people and against discrimination.</p>
<!--more--><p>
The <a href="http://houstonclergycouncil.org/">Houston Clergy Council</a>, which describes itself as “a welcoming and affirming interfaith coalition of Houston area religious leaders,” has issued a statement criticizing Texas Governor Rick Perry’s upcoming prayer event. The clergy stated concerns about the separation of church and state, as well as the Christian-exclusive nature of the event. However, their main concern was that the prayer event is funded by the American Family Association, which has been labeled a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The clergy signers oppose the American Family Association for being both anti-LGBT and anti-Muslim. The document states, “We believe it is inappropriate for our governor to organize a religious event funded by a group known for its discriminatory stances.”</p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/heartland-clergy-for-inclusion.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-38183 alignright" title="heartland-clergy-for-inclusion" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/heartland-clergy-for-inclusion.jpg" alt="" width="275" height="64" /></a>Meanwhile, Clergy in the Midwest issued <a href="http://www.heartlandproclamation.org/">The Heartland Proclamation</a>, which both affirmed the lives and realities of LGBT people and issued an apology for remaining silent while LGBT people were condemned and excluded. As of this writing, the list has over 151 signers. The apology stated, “We lament that LGBT persons are condemned and excluded by individuals and institutions, political and religious, who claim to be speaking the truth of Christian teaching. This leads directly and indirectly to intolerance, discrimination, suffering, and even death.” The proclamation was unveiled today in Omaha, but clergy from other heartland states can add their names to the supporters of the roster.</p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/AWAB_Logo-1.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-38182" title="The Association of Welcoming &amp; Affirming Baptists" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/AWAB_Logo-1.jpg" alt="The Association of Welcoming &amp; Affirming Baptists" width="130" height="132" /></a>In Arizona, another type of apology is being sought. A coalition of LGBT organizations, including the <a href="http://www.wabaptists.org/">Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists</a>, <a href="http://www.believeoutloud.com/">Believe Out Loud</a>, <a href="http://www.faithinamerica.org/">Faith in America</a>, <a href="http://getequal.org/">Get Equal</a>, <a href="http://www.soulforce.org/">Soulforce</a>, and <a href="http://www.truthwinsout.org/">Truth Wins Out</a> presented a petition to the Southern Baptist Convention, meeting in Phoenix, asking for an apology for the harm it is causing to the LGBT community. <a href="http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/6535/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=7147">The coalition hoped that the Southern Baptist Convention will recognize and confess the role it plays in LGBT discrimination</a>. Yesterday, the coalition was able to secure a 30-minute meeting with Bryant Wright, the President of the Southern Baptist Convention. The coalition was able to give <a href="http://www.wabaptists.org/news/sbcmeeting.htm">real examples about family rejection and lives broken by so-called "ex-gay" programs</a>, all based on Southern Baptist Church teachings. The meeting was described as "cordial," but Southern Baptist leaders refused to change their church teaching.</p>
<p>As the summer continues, we will likely see more clergy of many faiths and denominations voice their support for LGBT people in a variety of ways. GLAAD continues to support progressive clergy voices of all religious traditions as they speak out for justice, reconciliation, and equality.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">June 16, 2011</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/american-family-association">American Family Association</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/association-welcoming-and-affirming-baptists">Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/believe-out-loud">Believe Out Loud</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/clergy">clergy</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/faith-america">Faith in America</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/get-equal">Get Equal</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/governor-rick-perry">Governor Rick Perry</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/houston">Houston</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/houston-clergy-council">Houston Clergy Council</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/illinois">Illinois</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/minnesota">Minnesota</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/religion">Religion</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/soulforce">soulforce</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/southern-baptist-convention">Southern Baptist Convention</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/truth-wins-out">Truth Wins Out</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/united-methodist">United Methodist</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:20:09 +0000rossmurray34006 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2011/06/16/more-clergy-speak-out-everywhere#commentsThe Vatican’s Bid for Breakaway Anglicanshttp://www.glaad.org/2009/10/30/the-vatican%25e2%2580%2599s-bid-for-breakaway-anglicans
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://glaadblog.org/2008/09/09/media-overlooks-views-of-catholic-membership-in-its-reporting/"></a><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/maine1.JPG"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-14926" title="maine" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/maine1.JPG" alt="maine" width="212" height="130" /></a>Many Catholics are becoming more vocal about their support for marriage equality as evidenced in “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKBkVF6aexA" target="_blank">No on 1 ads” </a> and the <a href="http://glaadblog.org/index.php?s=catholic" target="_blank">organizing</a> efforts in Maine. The Pope and Vatican leaders, on the other hand, raised eyebrows and hackles in its recent <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-catholics-anglicans21-2009oct21%2C0%2C1746545.story" target="_blank">bid</a> to persuade conservative, breakaway Anglicans to become Catholics on the basis of their shared ordination ban for women and LGBT people.</p>
<p>At a news conference on Oct. 20, Cardinal William J. Levada from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith announced that joining Anglicans would retain many of their traditions while still entering in “full communion with the Catholic Church.”</p>
<p>The Vatican stresses it was <a href="http://blogs.reuters.com/uknews/2009/10/20/pope-makes-it-easier-for-anglicans-to-switch-to-rome/" target="_blank">responding to requests</a> from more conservative Anglicans from around the world and in no way meant to undermine Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams leadership. But what seemed like a simple ecumenical invitation has problems—even for conservatives.</p>
<p>More progressive Episcopalians noted that the door swings both ways and told a reporter from <em><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/faith/bal-md.fa.episcopal30oct30,0,1481184.story" target="_blank">The Baltimore Sun</a></em> that three former Roman Catholic clergy have recently joined the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland. Bishop Eugene Taylor Sutton pointed out that many converts to the Episcopal Church are laypeople from the Catholic Church who are looking for a church moving in a more open and affirming direction.</p>
<p>Conservative Episcopalians who broke away tend to agree with the Roman Catholic hierarchy on barring women and LGBT people from the priesthood, but the historical tension between the Anglican Communion and the Vatican is still very much present. The split between Catholics and Anglicans happened in the 16th century, when King Henry VIII declared himself head of the Church in England. The Vatican has yet to lay out a plan for addressing central theological differences such as papal authority and the meaning of the Eucharist.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, news outlets such as <em><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-10-22-catholic-anglican-priests_N.htm" target="_blank">USA Today</a></em> and the <em><a href="http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/10/26/episcopalians_balk_at_vaticans_invitation_to_join_fold/" target="_blank">Boston Globe</a></em> report uncertainty from breakaway clergy and congregations in regards to the Vatican’s invitation. According to <em><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-10-22-catholic-anglican-priests_N.htm" target="_blank">USA Today</a></em>, one of the major deal breakers is the celibacy requirement for Catholic priests. Since the 1980’s, after <a href="http://www.religioustolerance.org/femclrg14.htm" target="_blank">women</a> were first ordained in the Episcopal Church, some married Anglican clergy were allowed to convert to Catholicism and continue on as active priests.</p>
<p>Cardinal Levada said the celibacy waiver would apply to priests but not bishops nor future candidates for ordination. Levada acknowledged <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/21/world/europe/21pope.html?_r=3" target="_blank">potential problems</a> still remain. According to <em><a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article6895501.ece#at" target="_blank">Times Online</a></em>, the Apostolic Constitution, which will lay out the conditions for the new "Anglo-Catholic section of the Church,” is not ready for publication—despite the announced invitation.</p>
<p>There are also unanswered questions about what will happen to property of the breakaway congregations and whether or not the Roman Catholic Church would have a claim on them. The property battles could be huge and The Episcopal Church already has too many property law suits with congregations that broke away over <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2009/07/16/the-episcopal-church-says-%e2%80%9cyes%e2%80%9d-to-ordination-for-gays/" target="_blank">openly gay bishops</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/colbert.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-14922" title="colbert" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/colbert.jpg" alt="colbert" width="283" height="195" /></a>The Rev. Dr. Randall Balmer, a guest on the <em><a href="http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/252747/october-27-2009/holy-water-under-the-bridge---randall-balmer" target="_blank">Steven Colbert Show</a>, </em>expressed concern that the church was trying to compensate for the increase of closed parishes and the decrease of men going into the priesthood. Despite Colbert’s comic approach, the conversation raised the important question of whether or not an invitation to membership should be based on who is excluded.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">October 30, 2009</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/anglican">anglican</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/catholic">Catholic</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/church">church</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/clergy">clergy</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/episcopal">Episcopal</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/gay">gay</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lgbt">Lgbt</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/maine">Maine</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/marriage">Marriage</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/pope">pope</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/religion">Religion</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/vatican">vatican</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:17:05 +0000glaad32435 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2009/10/30/the-vatican%25e2%2580%2599s-bid-for-breakaway-anglicans#commentsSea Change in the Churcheshttp://www.glaad.org/2009/09/24/sea-change-in-the-churches
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p style="text-align: left;">Back in June, we published a <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2009/06/18/summer-heats-up-with-churches-debating-lgbt-issues/">round up</a> of LGBT issues on the docket for a cluster of denominations. The result was a sea change in the churches. Here are the exciting results:</p>
<p><strong>PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH</strong><strong> USA</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/pcusa.JPG"><img class="size-full wp-image-13698 alignright" title="pcusa" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/pcusa.JPG" alt="pcusa" width="126" height="126" /></a>The Presbyterian Church USA led the way this summer as it voted on a <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2009/02/24/presbyterians-and-lutherans-opening-up-to-gay-clergy-in-partnered-relationships/">constitutional amendment</a> on ordination equality. Ratification by the required half of the 173 regional presbyteries was not expected so LGBT faith leaders worked with GLAAD to keep the focus on “growing support.” Early in the voting, regions like <a href="http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1413554.html">North Carolina</a>, <a href="http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/metro.ssf?/base/news/123512137293670.xml&amp;coll=2">Alabama</a>, Texas and <a href="http://www.myeyewitnessnews.com/news/local/story/Arkansas-Presbyterians-Approve-Gay-Minister-Rule/wlIFOHgN_U2ZhjE05LUy_Q.cspx?rss=59">Arkansas</a> voted for equality. GLAAD helped LGBT Presbyterians blast an early media release through Religion News Service which laid emphasized messages of “growing support” and “churches are changing” to shape coverage of all LGBT church stories. When the vote was final, four LGBT Presbyterian groups worked with GLAAD on a media release. The Associated Press carried the “change” message nationwide.</p>
<p><strong>MENNONITE</strong><strong> CHURCH</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/mennonite-logo.gif"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-9917" title="mennonite-logo" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/mennonite-logo.gif" alt="mennonite-logo" width="115" height="115" /></a>Young LGBT and allied <a href="http://young.anabaptistradicals.org/2009/03/04/pink-menno-campaign/" target="_blank">Mennonites</a> made national news for the first time ever as they protested anti-LGBT policies and practices in the Mennonite Church. GLAAD helped young and old alike to get their voices into media. Wearing <a href="http://pinkmennocapmpaign.ning.com/" target="_blank">pink</a> and prepped with talking points, young people expertly used the media to tell the <a href="http://www.mennoniteusa.org/Home/Convention/tabid/258/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Mennonite Church USA</a> Assembly, June 30 – July 5, in Columbus, Ohio, that youth are leaving the church because of discrimination <a href="http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_men.htm" target="_blank">against</a> LGBT church members. Hundreds of Mennonite pastors signed an <a href="http://www.openlettertomcusa.org/" target="_blank">open letter</a> calling Mennonites to heal the harm done to LGBT people. </p>
<p><strong>THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/episcopalchurch.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-9918" title="episcopalchurch" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/episcopalchurch.jpg" alt="episcopalchurch" width="98" height="122" /></a>In July, bishops and elected deputies gathered for the Episcopal Church’s triennial General Convention in Anaheim, California, where they bravely moved forward, despite high-profile opposition, to approve a resolution to officially allow ordination of gay and lesbian priests. They <a href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_112559_ENG_HTM.htm" target="_blank">affirmed</a> that God could call anyone to ordination, including people in same-sex marriages or partnerships. Shortly after the ban was lifted, two <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2009/08/07/episcopalians-announce-openly-gay-nominees-for-bishop/">Episcopal dioceses</a> announced the nomination of openly gay and lesbian priests for bishop. The Convention also recognized transgender rights and inclusion, and delegated the task of proposing blessing rites for same sex-couples.</p>
<p><strong>EVANGELICAL</strong><strong> LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/elca-logo1.gif"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11993" title="elca-logo" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/elca-logo1.gif" alt="elca-logo" width="111" height="111" /></a>The watershed event of the summer was when the mother church of Protestantism, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, voted for inclusion at their biennial Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis on August 17-23. After decades of struggle, the body was ready to vote on an inclusive Social Statement on <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2009/08/20/lutherans-pass-policy-statement-on-human-sexuality-by-supermajority/">Human Sexuality</a> as well as <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2009/08/21/lutherans-change-policy%e2%80%94affirm-partnered-gay-ministers/">ministry policies</a> that allow clergy to be in committed same-sex partnerships. After defeating an attempt to <a href="http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/faith/53514822.html?elr=KArksc8P:Pc:UHDaaDyiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU">change the voting rules</a>, the body took on the Social Statement on Human Sexuality. For passage it required 2/3 of the 1000 plus voting delegates to support it. When the electronic vote was projected, people gasped. The vote was precisely 66.67%. Expert long-term strategies by the LGBT Lutheran coalition combined with GLAAD’s spokesperson training and media pitching helped bring about these mounmental changes. When the third and final vote was taken on LGBT concerns, the ELCA put the icing on the cake by dropping the celibacy requirement for gay clergy and allowing clergy to be in same-sex unions. Change happened!</p>
<p><strong>UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/ucc-logo.gif"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-9911" title="ucc-logo" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/ucc-logo.gif" alt="ucc-logo" width="99" height="124" /></a>The United Church of Christ, the first mainline denomination to support full equality for LGBT people, held its <a href="http://www.ucccoalition.org/news/events/synod/" target="_blank">General Synod</a> in June. At the weeklong event, UCC representatives approved a <a href="http://www.ucc.org/synod/resolutions/" target="_blank">resolution</a> to support diversity education in public schools and to encourage other denominations to build ecumenical support for basic respect for all people, including LGBT individuals and families.</p>
<p><strong>UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/uua-logo.JPG"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-13697" title="uua logo" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/uua-logo.JPG" alt="uua logo" width="127" height="110" /></a>The <a href="http://www.uua.org/events/generalassembly/businesssocial/15344.shtml" target="_blank"></a>Unitarian Universalist <a href="http://uu-uno.org/" target="_blank">United Nations office</a>, which now has a staff person designated for <a href="http://uu-uno.org/lgbt-human-rights/index.php?Itemid=123" target="_blank">sexual orientation and gender identity</a> work, initiated an action of <a href="http://www.uua.org/socialjustice/socialjustice/statements/144459.shtml">immediate witness</a> against the ongoing violence targeting gay men and lesbians in Iraq. With hundreds of victims in recent years, the church is raising awareness and actively encourages <a href="http://uu-uno.org/2009-iraq-aiw/2009-iraq-aiw.html?Itemid=123">advocacy</a> on the issue.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">September 24, 2009</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/arkansas">Arkansas</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/assembly">assembly</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/california">California</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/christ">christ</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/church">church</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/clergy">clergy</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/elca">ELCA</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/episcopal">Episcopal</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/gender">gender</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/glaad">GLAAD</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lutheran">lutheran</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/mennonite">mennonite</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/presbyterian">Presbyterian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/protestant">protestant</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/religion">Religion</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/school">school</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/sexuality">sexuality</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/transgender">: transgender</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/ucc">ucc</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/unitarian">unitarian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/united-nations">United Nations</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:16:53 +0000advojonathan32336 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2009/09/24/sea-change-in-the-churches#commentsLutherans Change Policy—Affirm Partnered Gay Ministershttp://www.glaad.org/2009/08/21/lutherans-change-policy%25e2%2580%2594affirm-partnered-gay-ministers
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Lutheran1.jpg"></a> <a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Lutheran.jpg"></a>Lutherans, the very first Protestant tradition, founded in the 1500’s, voted to lift the ban on partnered gay clergy on Friday, August 21, 2009. The week of deliberations included a <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2009/08/20/lutherans-pass-policy-statement-on-human-sexuality-by-supermajority/">tornado</a> that damaged the convention center in Minneapolis and extensive debate, prayers and conversation.</p>
<p>Meeting August 17-23, the body considered a range of legislation affecting the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. On LGBT issues, the results were historic. At three critical points, delegates chose the next step toward full inclusion.</p>
<!--more--><p><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-12494" title="Lutherans2" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Lutherans2.jpg" alt="Lutherans2" width="260" height="150" />They rejected attempts by <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2009/08/19/lutherans-pass-first-hurdle-toward-partnered-lgbt-clergy/" target="_blank">conservatives</a> to change the voting rules on the opening night; they passed the <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2009/08/20/lutherans-pass-policy-statement-on-human-sexuality-by-supermajority/" target="_blank">Policy Statement</a> on Human Sexuality with a 2/3 vote; and, finally, delegates withstood legislative <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gtibIsQjU1z-o7OWqKZkEbcUA5sgD9A7B8Q80" target="_blank">end runs</a> and voted to allow clergy to be in committed same-gender relationships.</p>
<p><a href="http://goodsoil.org/" target="_blank">Emily Eastwood</a>, Executive Director of Lutherans Concerned/North America, said “Today I am proud to be a Lutheran. Supporters and advocates of full inclusion have longed for this day since the inception of the ELCA, and for many of us what seemed like a lifetime. The ELCA has always had gay ministers, now those and all ministers are free to claim who they are and to have the love and support of a lifelong partner, regardless of orientation or gender identity, which is all we ever asked.”</p>
<p>The ELCA is the second largest mainline Protestant church in the U.S. with 4.6 million members and now joins the Episcopal Church and the United Church of Christ as mainline denominations that have moved toward full inclusion in recent years.</p>
<p>GLAAD assisted the LGBT and allied Lutheran spokespeople by pitching the story through the 1800 religion media journalists and outlets of the Religion News Service. GLAAD trained spokespeople were interviewed by the NY Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Washington Post, LA Times, NPR, Minnesota Public Radio, local radio talk shows and others. Multiple AP articles blanketed the country and repeatedly quoted GLAAD trained Lutheran spokespeople.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">August 21, 2009</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/clergy">clergy</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/episcopal">Episcopal</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/evangelical">Evangelical</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lutherans">Lutherans</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/protestant">protestant</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/religion">Religion</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:16:44 +0000glaad32247 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2009/08/21/lutherans-change-policy%25e2%2580%2594affirm-partnered-gay-ministers#commentsLutherans Pass Policy Statement on Human Sexuality by Supermajorityhttp://www.glaad.org/2009/08/20/lutherans-pass-policy-statement-on-human-sexuality-by-supermajority
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p style="text-align: left;">A <a title="http://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/tornadoes/2009-08-19-minnesota-tornado_N.htm" href="http://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/tornadoes/2009-08-19-minnesota-tornado_N.htm" target="_blank">tornado</a> touched down on the street outside the convention hall where Lutherans were debating whether you could be a biblical Christian and support LGBT couples and their families. <a title="http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1965_the_tornado_the_lutherans_and_homosexuality/" href="http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1965_the_tornado_the_lutherans_and_homosexuality/" target="_blank">Conservative bloggers</a> saw the storm as a <a title="http://washingtontimes.com/weblogs/belief-blog/2009/aug/19/the-lutherans-and-the-tornado/?feat=home_blogs" href="http://washingtontimes.com/weblogs/belief-blog/2009/aug/19/the-lutherans-and-the-tornado/?feat=home_blogs" target="_blank">dire sign</a> but they ignored the sun breaking through just as the assembly voted for the new Social Policy on Human Sexuality by precisely the <a title="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gtibIsQjU1z-o7OWqKZkEbcUA5sgD9A6A8001" href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gtibIsQjU1z-o7OWqKZkEbcUA5sgD9A6A8001" target="_blank">2/3 vote</a> required . As 66.67 to 33.33 percent vote results were posted on the screen, voters and visitors gasped and then burst into applause.</p>
<!--more-->
<p>The <a title="http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-08-10-lutheran-gay_N.htm" href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-08-10-lutheran-gay_N.htm" target="_blank">national meeting</a> for the entire Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) is held every two years—this year in Minneapolis, Minn., August 17-23. The new policy, which creates a theological framework allowing for disagreements within the ELCA over sexuality and scripture, replaces a previous statement that was 15 years old.</p>
<p><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11993" title="elca-logo" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/elca-logo1.gif" alt="elca-logo" width="139" height="139" />Lutherans Concerned, an LGBT affirming Lutheran group, sent a press release to <a title="http://www.religionnews.com/index.php?/pressreleases/lutherans_in_favor_of_lgbt_equality_gather_at_elca_churchwide_assembly_in_m/" href="http://www.religionnews.com/index.php?/pressreleases/lutherans_in_favor_of_lgbt_equality_gather_at_elca_churchwide_assembly_in_m/" target="_blank">1800 religion writers</a> and associates through the Religion News Service the week before the assembly, resulting in wide <a href="http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/faith/53514822.html?elr=KArksc8P:Pc:UHDaaDyiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU" target="_blank">media coverage</a>. <a title="http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/faith/53514822.html?elr=KArksc8P:Pc:UHDaaDyiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU" href="http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/faith/53514822.html?elr=KArksc8P:Pc:UHDaaDyiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU" target="_blank"></a> Key votes throughout the week and GLAAD’s assistance with media strategies and pitching enhanced that effort. Private interviews with GLAAD trained spokespeople were set with the <em>New York Times</em>, <em>Philadelphia Inquirer</em>, <em>Washington Post</em>, <em>Los Angles Times</em>, and others. Related votes will happen on Thursday and Friday.</p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/elca-devotional-booklet.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-12397" title="elca devotional booklet" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/elca-devotional-booklet-214x300.jpg" alt="elca devotional booklet" width="110" height="154" /></a>On Tuesday a <a title="http://www.goodsoil.org/" href="http://www.goodsoil.org/" target="_blank">devotional</a> booklet, “One Table, Many Blessings,” was released with the names of 95 out LGBT ministers. On Wednesday, a PBS Religion &amp; Ethics reporter interviewed five key LGBT faith leader (airing August 24). Immediately after the vote on the Social Policy on Human Sexuality, PBS filmed the procession of the LGBT coalition’s worship service attended by about 2,000 people. The videographer quipped, “This will be our stock footage of Lutherans worshipping for years to come!”</p>
<p>The ELCA is the second largest mainline Protestant church in the U.S. with <a title="http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4202" href="http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4202" target="_blank">4.6 million</a> members and now joins the Episcopal Church and the United Church of Christ as mainline denominations that have moved toward full inclusion in recent years. <a title="http://minnesotaindependent.com/41374/lutheran-groups-spar-over-inclusion-of-gay-pastors" href="http://minnesotaindependent.com/41374/lutheran-groups-spar-over-inclusion-of-gay-pastors" target="_blank">An increasing</a> number clergy, laity and family members are going on record for equality.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">August 20, 2009</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/bloggers">bloggers</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/christian">Christian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/church">church</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/clergy">clergy</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/conservative">conservative</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/elca">ELCA</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/episcopal">Episcopal</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/evangelical">Evangelical</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/gay">gay</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/glaad">GLAAD</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/laity">laity</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/lgbt">Lgbt</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lutherans">Lutherans</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/minneapolis">Minneapolis</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/minnesota">Minnesota</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/pbs">PBS</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/policy">policy</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/protestant">protestant</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/religion">Religion</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/sexuality">sexuality</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:16:43 +0000advojonathan32239 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2009/08/20/lutherans-pass-policy-statement-on-human-sexuality-by-supermajority#commentsLutherans Pass First Hurdle Toward Partnered LGBT Clergyhttp://www.glaad.org/2009/08/19/lutherans-pass-first-hurdle-toward-partnered-lgbt-clergy
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Lutherans leapt the first <a href="http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/faith/53514822.html?elr=KArksc8P:Pc:UHDaaDyiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU" target="_blank">hurdle</a> at their biennial policy setting meeting after extensive <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/17/AR2009081703016.html" target="_blank">debate</a> on allowing ministers be in committed same-gender relationships.</p>
<p>Conservatives lobbied hard as they made a motion to raise the percentage required to pass the measures but <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hYgl8Tp3wi2MRX53ANtJeOFeobSwD9A51TMG0" target="_blank">failed</a> by a large margin. The <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-08-10-lutheran-gay_N.htm" target="_blank">national meeting</a> for the entire Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) is held every two years—this year in Minneapolis, Minn., August 17-23.</p>
<div style="width: 221px;float:right;"><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/elca-vote.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-12019" title="elca vote" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/elca-vote.jpg" alt="Photo Courtesy of ELCA.org" width="211" height="146" /></a>
<p>Photo Courtesy of ELCA.org</p>
</div>
<p>GLAAD staff is on-site as Lutheran LGBT <a href="http://www.goodsoil.org/index.html" target="_blank">advocates</a> are making the most of media opportunities to expand the impact of their work. The <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2009/08/12/lutherans-debate-partnered-lgbt-clergy/" target="_self">ELCA will vote</a> on a proposed Social Statement on Human <a href="http://content.usatoday.com/communities/religion/post/2009/08/68497172/1" target="_blank">Sexuality</a> and a Recommendation on Ministry Policies. The policy statement lays the groundwork for all policies on human sexuality.</p>
<p>The Recommendation on Ministry Policies proposes to remove the ban on openly gay clergy by allowing congregations who wish to do so to have a minister who is in a committed, same-gender relationship, while not requiring any congregation to do so.</p>
<p>The ELCA is the second largest mainline Protestant church in the U.S. with <a href="http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4202" target="_blank">4.6 million</a> members. <a href="http://minnesotaindependent.com/41374/lutheran-groups-spar-over-inclusion-of-gay-pastors" target="_blank">This year</a>, an increasing number clergy, laity and family members are going on record about the important ministries shared by people who are LGBT who have faced discrimination up to now.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">August 19, 2009</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/christian">Christian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/church">church</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/clergy">clergy</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/elca">ELCA</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/evangelical">Evangelical</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/gay">gay</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lgbt">Lgbt</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/lutherans">Lutherans</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/ministry">ministry</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/minneapolis">Minneapolis</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/minnesota">Minnesota</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/policy">policy</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/protestant">protestant</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/religion">Religion</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/sexuality">sexuality</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:16:42 +0000advojonathan32234 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2009/08/19/lutherans-pass-first-hurdle-toward-partnered-lgbt-clergy#commentsLutherans Debate Partnered LGBT Clergyhttp://www.glaad.org/2009/08/12/lutherans-debate-partnered-lgbt-clergy
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><img class="alignleft" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/elca-logo1.gif" alt="" width="139" height="139" />Same-gender partners and their families will be front-and-center at the upcoming <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-08-10-lutheran-gay_N.htm" target="_blank">national meeting</a> where policy for the entire Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) is voted on every two years. This year, the body will decide to drop—or keep—the requirement of celibacy for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender clergy.</p>
<p>Lutheran LGBT <a href="http://www.goodsoil.org/index.html" target="_blank">advocates</a> are organized and are hopeful in light of <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2009/07/16/the-episcopal-church-says-%e2%80%9cyes%e2%80%9d-to-ordination-for-gays/" target="_self">The Episcopal Church</a> national meeting where LGBT equality was affirmed, as well as the changing landscape of opinions of <a href="http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/religionandtheology/1307/survey_says:_mainline_clergy_lean_liberal" target="_blank">mainline clergy</a> who increasingly support LGBT rights.</p>
<div style="width: 221px;float:right;"><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/elca-vote.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-12019" title="elca vote" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/elca-vote.jpg" alt="elca vote" width="211" height="146" /></a>
<p>2007 Churchwide Assembly (Photo Courtesy of ELCA.org)</p>
</div>
<p>Meeting in Minneapolis, Minn., August 17-23, the denomination will vote on a range of topics, but the most high-profile is whether or not to lift the ban on ministers who are in same-gender, committed relationships.</p>
<p>Two proposals impact LGBT people: a 30-page, Social Statement on Human Sexuality and a Recommendation on Ministry Policies.</p>
<p>The Social Statement is the theological and teaching document for the ELCA on constructive social relationships and responsibilities. It lays out the range of good faith opinions among Lutherans on same-gender committed relationships and asks the church to agree to disagree while moving forward in hospitality.</p>
<p>The Recommendation on Ministry Policies proposes to remove the ban by allowing congregations who wish to do so to have a minister who is in a committed, same-gender relationship, while not requiring any congregation to do so.</p>
<p>The ELCA is the second largest mainline Protestant church in the U.S. with <a href="http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4202" target="_blank">4.6 million</a> members. At its 2007 national meeting, 82 ministers came out and introduced themselves and their partners. In response, the body voted to ask bishops to “refrain” from punishing partnered clergy and congregations. Despite this vote, the ban on clergy in partnered same-gender relationships was not changed and the impact of written policies continued to impact many clergy, families and congregations. <a href="http://minnesotaindependent.com/41374/lutheran-groups-spar-over-inclusion-of-gay-pastors" target="_blank">This year</a>, more clergy, laity and family members are going on record about the important ministries shared by people who are LGBT who have faced discrimination up to now.</p>
<p>When the 82 Lutheran miniters came out in 2007 GLAAD worked closely with Lutherans Concerned, an LGBT affirming Lutheran group, to help those ministers tell their stories effectively in the media.</p>
<p>This year GLAAD is also working with affirming Lutheran's to ensure that as the ELCA once again takes up the issue of LGBT clergy, those voices will be fairly represented in mainstream coverage of the national meeting. GLAAD has media trained more than twenty top LGBT Lutheran ministers for interviews with USA Today and National Public Radio. And during the convention, GLAAD will be on-site to expand the coalition's media capacity. Win or lose, the world will know through the media that Lutheran LGBT advocates are challenging the ELCA to take a step toward full equality.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">August 12, 2009</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/bisexual">bisexual</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/clergy">clergy</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/elca">ELCA</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/evangelical">Evangelical</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/gay">gay</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/lesbian">Lesbian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lgbt">Lgbt</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/lutheran">lutheran</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/minneapolis">Minneapolis</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/minnesota">Minnesota</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/protestant">protestant</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/religion">Religion</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/same-sex-marriage">same-sex marriage</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/sexuality">sexuality</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:16:40 +0000advojonathan32215 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2009/08/12/lutherans-debate-partnered-lgbt-clergy#commentsWelton Gaddy Calls for a New National Discussion on Marriagehttp://www.glaad.org/2009/07/31/welton-gaddy-calls-for-a-new-national-discussion-on-marriage
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/weltongaddy.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11543" title="weltongaddy" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/weltongaddy.jpg" alt="weltongaddy" width="200" height="248" /></a>The Rev. Dr. Welton Gaddy, president of <a href="http://interfaithalliance.org/">Interfaith Alliance</a>, set off a <a href="http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/2009/07/marriage_sacred_rite_or_civil/all.html">firestorm</a> of commentary in the <em>Newsweek-Washington Post</em>, “On Religion” blog, after putting out a call for a new kind of national discussion on extending marriage protections to same-sex couples. The blog post introduces the newly released paper <a href="http://interfaithalliance.org/equality/read">“Same Gender Marriage &amp; Religious Freedom,”</a> wherein Gaddy lays out perspectives on marriage and recommends direction for the future. His first suggestion: leave religion out of it.</p>
<p>Dialogues about religion will not forge national consensus on any sociopolitical issue or serve as a source of national unity. The population of our nation is too diverse and the religions in our nation are too different for that to happen. Individual religious traditions are divided from each other externally and, internally, adherents within each of these traditions are divided from each other.</p>
<p>Citing recent studies that show a range of opinions among <a href="http://www.publicreligion.org/objects/uploads/fck/file/CVS%20Theology%20and%20LGBT.pdf">clergy</a> and members of <a href="http://www.publicreligion.org/research/published/?id=163">evangelical</a> and mainstream churches, Dr. Gaddy suggests that law and not religious views (SHOULD)_be the starting point for any discussion on the government’s regulation of marriage:</p>
<p>Law, not scripture, is the foundation of government regulations related to marriage in our nation. Presently, the United States government recognizes marriage on the basis of a properly authorized, government-issued marriage license.</p>
<p>This Interfaith Alliance paper by Dr Gaddy invites a national conversation on the marriage. He cites Executive Director of Freedom to Marry, Evan Wolfson’s stance that marriage inequality results <a href="http://www.freedomtomarry.org/evan_wolfson/speeches/chicago_discussion_on_marriage_equality.php">in second-class citizenship</a>, but is clear that the country should protect the right of religious groups to define marriage for their own members:</p>
<p>All citizens should have equal access to civil marriage and to the benefits of marriage provided for citizens in this government. Couples who desire religious marriage can seek a house of worship in which to receive that blessing. But, as is the case now, no house of worship would be legally obligated to provide marriage for a couple whom it does not want to bless. All houses of worship should be free to advocate for, defend and perpetuate the view of marriage that is consistent with their religious traditions and convictions.</p>
<p>While wanting to sort out religion from government, Dr. Gaddy disagrees with Jonathan Turley in his <a href="http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2008/08/gay-marriage-a.html">USAToday </a>op-ed which recommends that all couples have state-sanctioned “civil unions” while religious groups do “marriages.” Gaddy writes, “Civil marriages and religious marriages have existed side by side for an untold number of years. Both…have been respected and treated equally in our society. I see no reason for that situation to change.”</p>
<p>In this effort to invite more conversation Gaddy is hoping for a civil and respectful dialogue. “The subject of marriage equality merits our best thoughts and influential actions as United States citizens, whether or not we are religious people or individuals who adhere to no religion.”</p>
<p>As part of our overall work with communities of faith, GLAAD will continue to stay in regular contact with the Interfaith Alliance to lift up progressive faith voices that promote LGBT equality.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">July 31, 2009</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/clergy">clergy</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/evan-wolfson">Evan Wolfson</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/evangelical">Evangelical</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/faith-based">Faith-Based</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/interfaith-alliance">Interfaith Alliance</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/lgbt-faith">LGBT faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/newsweek">Newsweek</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/religion">Religion</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/washington-post">Washington Post</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:16:36 +0000glaad32184 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2009/07/31/welton-gaddy-calls-for-a-new-national-discussion-on-marriage#commentsThe Episcopal Church Says “YES” to Ordination for Gayshttp://www.glaad.org/2009/07/16/the-episcopal-church-says-%25e2%2580%259cyes%25e2%2580%259d-to-ordination-for-gays
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>On July 14, LGBT leaders in The Episcopal Church proclaimed, <a href="http://sites.google.com/site/allthesacraments/Home/videos" target="_blank">”Amen,” </a>as the decades of struggle of ordination for gay people came to an end. The House of Delegates and the House of Bishops voted to allow ordination of gay and lesbian priests and bishops. All <a href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_112559_ENG_HTM.htm" target="_blank">affirmed</a> that God could call to ordination anyone, including people living in a same-sex marriage or partnership.</p>
<p><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="Binary Data" title="video/youtube" src="/modules/file/icons/video-x-generic.png" /> <a href="/" type="video/youtube; length=0">uBne4BDr-lU</a></span></p>
<p>The Episcopal Church House of Bishops supported inclusion by a 99-45 vote, with two abstentions and it was overwhelmingly ratified by the House of Delegates comprised of laity and priests. The new resolution officially ends a 2006 moratorium on ordaining openly gay bishops. The moratorium was initially meant to halt any further division within the church after the ordination of Gene Robinson but unity was not maintained and no efforts for unity were offered by conservatives.</p>
<p>Earlier this year conservatives, now identifying themselves as the <a href="http://acahomeorg0.web701.discountasp.net/" target="_blank">Anglican Church of America</a> and claiming 100,000 followers, abandoned The Episcopal Church while unsuccessfully laying claim to buildings belonging to The Episcopal Church. The group’s leader, Robert Duncan, said that women and gay people are not <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-06-21-anglicans_N.htm" target="_blank">“capable”</a> of holding the <img src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/media/img/trans.gif" alt="" />office of bishop. The breakaway group is <a href="http://www.christiancentury.org/article.lasso?id=7387" target="_blank">not recognized</a> by the greater Anglican Communion.</p>
<p>One time LGBT <a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1136454.ece" target="_blank">supporter</a>, Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, did not support lifting the <a href="http://www.religiousintelligence.co.uk/news/?NewsID=4721" target="_blank">moratorium</a>, but delegates voted yes on all inclusive resolutions so far. One delegate from Western Massachusetts told the <em><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/14/AR2009071403046.html" target="_blank">Associated Press</a></em> that it was the right thing to do, "I personally believe we had to do this. It's the way we see the Gospel." Archbishop Williams met with gay and lesbian deputies while at the convention but <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/jul/13/archbishop-rowan-williams-gay-clergy" target="_blank">expressed regret</a> over the decision.</p>
<p>The bishops will vote on resolutions related to blessing same-sex unions, <a href="http://gc2009.org/ViewLegislation/view_leg_detail.aspx?id=939&amp;type=Current" target="_blank">transgender equality</a> and adaptation of theological resources and liturgies to be more inclusive of gay and lesbian couples.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">July 16, 2009</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/transgender">Transgender</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/anglican">anglican</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/archbishop">archbishop</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/associated-press">Associated Press</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/bishop">bishop</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/canterbury">canterbury</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/christian">Christian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/church">church</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/clergy">clergy</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/convention">Convention</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/deputies">deputies</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/episcopal">Episcopal</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/episcopal-church">Episcopal Church</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/equality">equality</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/gene-robinson">Gene Robinson</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/glaad">GLAAD</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/gospel">gospel</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/inclusion">inclusion</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lesbian">Lesbian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/lgbt">Lgbt</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/marriage">Marriage</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/massachusetts">Massachusetts</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/religion">Religion</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/resolution">resolution</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/robert-duncan">robert duncan</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/theological">theological</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/transgender">: transgender</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/union">union</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/youtube">YouTube</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:16:32 +0000advojonathan32145 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2009/07/16/the-episcopal-church-says-%25e2%2580%259cyes%25e2%2580%259d-to-ordination-for-gays#commentsSurveys Reveal More Social Justice Activism in LGBT Inclusive Churcheshttp://www.glaad.org/2009/05/13/surveys-reveal-more-social-justice-activism-in-lgbt-inclusive-churches
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Last month, <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2009/03/06/survey-of-synagogue-leaders-shows-support-for-lgbt-inclusion%E2%80%94but-programs-are-lacking/" target="_self">GLAAD reported</a> on a survey by the Institute for Judaism and Sexual Orientation at Hebrew College and Jewish Mosaic that revealed tremendous support of LGBT people by Jewish rabbis and synagogues.</p>
<p>In recent press releases, the Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing and the Institute for Welcoming Resources of the <a href="http://www.thetaskforce.org/" target="_blank">National Gay and Lesbian Task Force</a> announced two new surveys which assess the impact of LGBT inclusion on Christian congregations.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.religiousinstitute.org/documents/SurveyofReligiousProgressivesPublicReportApril2009withcover.pdf" target="_blank"><em>The Survey of Religious Progressive</em>s</a> published by the Religious Institute and <a href="http://www.welcomingresources.org/To_Do_Justice.pdf" target="_blank"><em>To Do Justice: A Study of Welcoming Congregations</em></a> by Welcoming Resources reveal that congregations which are welcoming to LGBT people also promote further activism on a wide range of social justice issues. </p>
<table style="text-align: justify;" border="1" cellpadding="7"><col /><tbody><tr><th><a href="http://www.religiousinstitute.org/documents/SurveyofReligiousProgressivesPublicReportApril2009withcover.pdf" target="_blank"><em>The Survey of Religious Progressives</em></a> received 438 respondents and measured the attitudes and the extent to which clergy and congregations are engaged regarding LGBT inclusion. Sixty-nine percent of the survey respondents self-identify as "progressive" and more than half of the clergy reported that their views on LGBT issues have become more liberal over the last 10 years.
<p>The survey also found that clergy in more inclusive denominations were more likely to march or take a public stance not only for LGBT issues but on a broad range of sexuality issues.</p></th>
<th><a href="http://www.welcomingresources.org/To_Do_Justice.pdf" target="_blank"><em>To Do Justice: A Study of Welcoming Congregations</em></a> is based on responses from 325 clergy in Christian and Unitarian Universalist congregations. The survey refutes any concerns that inclusion of LGBT would create division and/or membership loss. It found that congregations which fully welcomed and engaged LGBT members are more likely to work on social justice issues.
<p>Furthermore, nearly three-quarters of the respondents disagreed with the statement suggesting that their congregation risked losing members if it talked too much about homosexuality.</p></th>
</tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p>The Task Force's <a href="http://www.welcomingresources.org/index.htm" target="_blank">Institute for Welcoming Resources</a> recently published a new resource, <em><a href="http://www.welcomingresources.org/welcomingtoolkit.pdf" target="_blank">Building an Inclusive Church: A Welcoming Toolkit</a></em>, to help congregations welcome people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. <a href="http://www.religiousinstitute.org/about.html" target="_blank">The Religious Institute</a> plans to release a similar online guide for clergy in June.</p>
<p>In another press release, The Task Force addressed inclusion in congregations by partnering with Colage and The Family Equality Council to produce a curriculum called <em><a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2009/05/11-23" target="_blank">All in God's Family:</a></em><em> </em><em>Creating Allies for our LGBT Families; </em>the first 50 orders are free.<br /></p><div align="left">
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</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">May 13, 2009</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/christian">Christian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/church">church</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/clergy">clergy</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/equality">equality</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/glaad">GLAAD</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/institute-judaism-and-sexual-orientation">Institute for Judaism and Sexual Orientation</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/jewish">Jewish</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/jewish-mosaic">Jewish Mosaic</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lesbian">Lesbian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/lgbt-inclusion">LGBT inclusion</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lgbt-issues">LGBT issues</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/rabbis">rabbis</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/religion">Religion</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/synagogues">Synagogues</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/task-force">task force</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:16:10 +0000advojonathan31982 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2009/05/13/surveys-reveal-more-social-justice-activism-in-lgbt-inclusive-churches#commentsMassachusetts Clergy Debunk Mythshttp://www.glaad.org/2009/04/29/massachusetts-clergy-debunk-myths
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://www.prideagenda.org/" target="_blank">The Empire State Pride Agenda</a> (ESPA), New York's statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights advocacy organization, recently released the web video "Marriage Equality and Religion: The Massachusetts Experience."</p>
<p>ESPA's <a href="http://www.prideagenda.org/OurPrograms/PrideinthePulpit/tabid/102/Default.aspx" target="_blank">"Pride in the Pulpit"</a> staff invited Massachusetts clergy - the Reverend Nancy Taylor of Old South Church; the Reverend Thomas Shaw, Episcopal bishop of the Diocese of Massachusetts; and the Reverend Michael Wayne Walker of Messiah Baptist Church in Brockton - to discuss how laws that require civil marriage equality do not impact each faith tradition's ability to decide who they will or will not marry.</p>
<p>In a press release, Executive Director <a href="http://www.prideagenda.org/tabid/304/default.aspx?c=378" target="_blank">Alan Van Capelle stated</a>: "The Empire State Pride Agenda is committed to refuting myths that have been articulated across the country about the consequences of marriage for same-sex couples. This issue is too important for our families and us to let them go unanswered in New York."</p>
<p><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="Binary Data" title="video/youtube" src="/modules/file/icons/video-x-generic.png" /> <a href="/" type="video/youtube; length=0">MJF5TREeliw</a></span><br /></p><div align="left">
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</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">April 29, 2009</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/transgender">Transgender</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/alan-van-capelle">Alan Van Capelle</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/church">church</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/clergy">clergy</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/episcopal">Episcopal</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/equality">equality</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/espa">ESPA</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/marriage-equality">Marriage Equality</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/massachusetts">Massachusetts</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/new-york">New York</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/religion">Religion</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/transgender">: transgender</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:16:05 +0000advojonathan31938 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2009/04/29/massachusetts-clergy-debunk-myths#commentsLutheran Equality-Partnered Gay Clergy Might Be Accepted http://www.glaad.org/2009/04/09/lutheran-equality-partnered-gay-clergy-might-be-accepted
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div>
<p>Recently, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) <a title="http://www.thelutheran.org/blog/index.cfm?page_id=Breaking%20News&amp;blog_id=1167" href="http://www.thelutheran.org/blog/index.cfm?page_id=Breaking%20News&amp;blog_id=1167">released</a> the final version of its social statement on human sexuality - <a title="http://www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/Social-Issues/Social-Statements-in-Process/JTF-Human-Sexuality/Proposed-Social-Statement.aspx" href="http://www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/Social-Issues/Social-Statements-in-Process/JTF-Human-Sexuality/Proposed-Social-Statement.aspx">"Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust"</a> - after an eight year process of hearings and revisions overseen by their national Church Council. </p>
<p>Although it is not perfect on LGBT issues, the document recommends acceptance of partnered gay clergy with an opt-out clause for congregations. Blessings or marriage rites for same-sex couples would also be left to congregations.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, opponents of LGBT equality in the ELCA worked hard to create roadblocks, attempting to change the voting rules to increase the percentages needed for final votes at the Churchwide Assembly in late August. </p>
<p>According to the ECLA's standard voting rules, the social statement requires a two-thirds vote and attendant recommendations require only a majority vote to pass. Opponents of LGBT equality submitted a recommendation to the Church Council, however, asking that a two-thirds majority be required for both the social statement and the attendant recommendations. It was defeated, and the Church Council elected to not alter any current voting procedures.</p>
<p>Outlets like the Christian Science Monitor, the Minneapolis-St. Paul Star-Tribune and <a title="http://www.bostonherald.com/news/national/general/view/2009_04_01_ELCA_board_sets_terms_for_vote_on_gay_pastors/srvc=home&amp;position=recent" href="http://www.bostonherald.com/news/national/general/view/2009_04_01_ELCA_board_sets_terms_for_vote_on_gay_pastors/srvc=home&amp;position=recent">The Associated Press</a><a href="http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=2&amp;a=392277">reported</a> that "recommendations" will only require a majority vote. This is technically correct-but reporters should have stated that the whole social statement first requires a two-thirds vote before the attendant recommendations can even be considered. By only reporting that a majority vote is required, it sounds like a reduction from the two-thirds vote.</p>
<p>Opponents are expected to try again to change the voting percentages on the first day of the Churchwide Assembly, which occurs August 17-22, when the whole body can vote. This change will require a two-thirds vote.</p></div>
<div align="left">
</div>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">April 9, 2009</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/christian">Christian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/clergy">clergy</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/ecla">ECLA</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/evangelical">Evangelical</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/human-sexuality-statement">human sexuality statement</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/lgbt-issues">LGBT issues</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lutherans">Lutherans</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/religion">Religion</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:15:58 +0000advojonathan31884 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2009/04/09/lutheran-equality-partnered-gay-clergy-might-be-accepted#comments